Tea plantation's First Flush Festival coming in May

Image by Flickr user Augapfel Image by 20090405-tea.jpg Mmmm. Fresh tea.

The third annual First Flush Festival is coming on Saturday, May 16, to the Charleston Tea Plantation.

What is a "first flush festival," you ask? Here's a bit from an e-mailed press release:

The festival name, First Flush, is defined as the escalated growth of new leaves on the tea plants in the spring time after a winter of rest. Their "first flush" of new growth is harvested to produce what avid tea drinkers deem to be the most unique, fresh, and amazing cup of tea.

This event, celebrating the only tea garden in America, will feature live music by artists: Shawn Mullins, Alternate Routes, Jay Clifford, and Sons of Bill. Home Team BBQ and the Irvin House Vineyard are just a couple of the venders scheduled to be at the event.

You can buy your tickets now for $10 at the Charleston Tea Plantation Web site (or $15 at the gate).

The Charleston Tea Plantation is located on Wadmalaw Island.

Update May 11: The Post and Courier stopped by the plantation and share a nice feature piece.